Our View: People make SouthCoast what it is

It's our privilege each year to recognize folks whose neighbors, colleagues, students, customers and more have been so impressed that they end up being named a man or woman of the year.

It's our privilege each year to recognize folks whose neighbors, colleagues, students, customers and more have been so impressed that they end up being named a man or woman of the year.

Besides more than two dozen winners, another three dozen were nominated, many by multiple nominations.

To think of all the good done by those 60 or so nominees, to think of all those who've been nominated or who have received the honor in the past, to think of all those who aren't mentioned but who serve their community nevertheless ... well, it's an embarrassment of riches.

The people of SouthCoast work to make the most of the natural resources on the water, in the fields and bogs. They run our schools, medical facilities and businesses. They coach our children in sports and arts and sciences.

They reach out their hands to the downtrodden, the elderly, the addicted, the infirm, and they often do it in the anonymity of daily routines that attract no more attention than a trip to the store for groceries.

This year's men and women of the year have been promoting bicycle paths for health and the environment. They are educators who've found ways to lift students up. They are members of cultural and religious organizations who have tirelessly worked to strengthen the fabric of the whole community, not just those of their religious background or those who belong to their organization. They coach of our children, teaching lessons about cooperation, ethics and sportsmanship.

This annual exercise by The Standard-Times helps keep us grounded. There were many news stories written in these pages over the year that remind us of our human failings, and, no doubt, there will be many more in 2013.

There will also be a multitude of minor miracles throughout the year, the majority of which may never receive recognition in the newspaper or in nominations for this year-end honor.

We're certain, though, that these miracle-makers are aiming for higher goals than a fleeting annual award.

They stand as models for everyone, but they also offer a reflection of the best in ourselves.

Look for yourself in the stories written so far and in those yet to come over the next several days.

Join us in congratulating this year's honorees. Their hard work and vision have made life better for so many on SouthCoast, and will continue to do so.